Gabon will host, from 21 to 25 September 2026 in Libreville, the 16th Port State Control Committee Meeting (PSCC16) and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum, at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Palace.
Held under the aegis of the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Marine and Logistics, and organised by the Directorate General of Merchant Marine, this meeting will bring together representatives of the 22 member states, maritime authorities, experts and partners of the maritime sector.
Over five days, participants will take part in technical work and high-level discussions dedicated to strengthening port state control, harmonising practices across the region, and addressing current and future maritime safety challenges.
Theme of this edition
« De la politique à la pratique : bâtir un régime de contrôle par l'État du port résilient et préparé pour l'avenir »
« Policy to Practice: Powering a Resilient and Future-Ready Port State Control Regime »
The Abuja Memorandum
The Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, commonly known as the 'Abuja Memorandum' or 'Abuja MoU', is a cooperation framework between the region's maritime administrations on port state control. Signed in Abuja, Nigeria, on 22 October 1999 under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it aims to harmonise control procedures and practices, combat the operation of ships that do not meet applicable international standards, and contribute to strengthening maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and improving seafarers' working and living conditions.